Types of Pedestrians

There are many types of pedestrians. From the moment people take their first steps–and for every step after that–they will encounter various scenarios that require a unique focus for ensuring pedestrian safety. Concerns will continuously evolve as pedestrians navigate through the various stages of life.

Children and mature pedestrians are the most at risk for fatality and injury. According to a study of data from 2012, NHTSA’s National Center for Statistics and Analysis found that children ages 15 and under accounted for 6 percent of pedestrian fatalities in 2012 and 18 percent of all pedestrians injured in traffic crashes. Data also shows that pedestrians ages 65 and older accounted for an additional 20 percent of pedestrian fatalities.

Keeping Children Educated and Supervised

Because children mature at different rates, parents should consider walking to school with them until they can fully comprehend the rules of the road (usually around age 10). Walking your children to school provides opportunities to teach them important pedestrian safety practices and the rules of the road. Some key points to help keep children safe:

Look left, look right and look left again. This pedestrian rule has been passed down through generations and has not lost its importance or lifesaving value. Stop in a safe place before entering a roadway and practice looking both ways before crossing the street.

Make eye contact with drivers who appear to be letting you cross the street. Never assume the driver has seen you. This allows the driver a chance to children and let them pass or provides children the opportunity to wait if the driver has not seen them.

When exiting or approaching a school bus, make eye contact with the bus driver and wait for acknowledgment before crossing in front. Always maintain at least 10 feet from the front, back and sides of the bus.

Always use your eyes and ears to know what is going on around you. Your vision and hearing work together, providing the best defense for safety. Do not use headphones or play with handheld devices when crossing the street.

Whenever possible, stay on sidewalks and use marked crosswalks.

Never run out into the street, regardless of what you are chasing after. Even if a ball has unexpectedly entered a roadway, you still must follow all the rules of crossing the street in order to retrieve it. Be sure to look left, right and left again before entering the roadway.

Watching Out for Children

Children are the most unpredictable of all pedestrians. They are also the smallest and most uneducated.

Be prepared when in neighborhoods or driving by parks. Children can unexpectedly run out into the street.

Be vigilant when backing out of driveways and turning onto residential streets, children can be playing in hard to see places.

Always stop when a school bus has its stop sign out. Unless you are on a divided highway, traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus that has is stop sign out. If you are on the other side of a divided highway, still use caution as there are children around.

Watching Out for Children While Driving

Children are the most unpredictable of all pedestrians. They are also the smallest and don’t understand the rules of the road. Be prepared to stop when driving in neighborhoods or by parks. Children can unexpectedly run out into the street.

Be vigilant and watch for pedestrians when backing out of driveways and turning onto residential streets. Children can be playing in hard-to-see places.

Traffic in both directions must stop for a school bus that has its stop arm out. If you are on the other side of a divided highway, you may proceed without stopping, but use good common sense and caution because children are on the move.

AAA Programs

AAA has been proactively involved in child pedestrian safety with programs like AAA’s School Safety Patrol. This program teaches children about traffic safety principles and allows them opportunities to share that knowledge with peers. Patrollers assist in helping other students cross streets safely and serve as student leaders within their schools. This is a school-sponsored program that is deeply invested in the safety and education of communities it serves. Learn more about the AAA School Safety Patrol program.

School’s Open – Drive Carefully Campaign

In 1946, AAA created the School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign. It has successfully created driver awareness of school-aged pedestrians for nearly 70 years. Learn more about AAA’s School’s Open – Drive Carefully campaign.

Walking has the added benefit of fostering a healthy lifestyle while also transporting you to where you need to go. Walking three to four hours each week has exponential value for your continued health as the years go by. Start with several small walks a day and work toward a full 30-minute walk each day. This will not only increase your stamina and heath, but also your ability to perform other physical activities.

Long Term Pedestrian Health Benefits

Walking regularly can: Lead to weight loss or help maintain a healthy weight.

Help boost your endorphins, which can result in improved mental heath.

Help to lower your blood pressure and cholesterol and strengthening your heart.

Help increase flexibility and endurance and limit decreases in bone density.

Even help you drive longer as a result of increased reflex and nervous system response.

Mature Pedestrian Safety

Though walking often is a good and healthy lifestyle choice, older adults should remember to always be cautious whenever walking in or near traffic. A few simple tips:

Be visible.

This is especially important in dark places or poor weather. Remember to stay in well-lit areas and to wear light or reflective clothing. Never assume drivers see you just because you see them.

Wear shoes that provide ample foot and ankle support and have suitable grip to prevent sliding or slipping.

Whenever possible, stay on sidewalks and pathways.

If a sidewalk is not available, stay to the far side of the road and always face traffic. Be sure to be as visible as possible.

A stopped car can obstruct the view of other drivers.

Beware that if a driver lets you pass, is does not necessarily mean other drivers are aware that you are crossing.

Use crosswalks when possible and follow all traffic signals.

Plan your route so you can always use crosswalks, and be sure to avoid any hazardous crossings or busy streets during times of heavy traffic.

Look both ways when you cross the street, even at a crosswalk.

Allow yourself enough time to cross the street.

If a walk sign has been lit for a while, or the caution sign has begun to blink, it is wise to wait for a new green signal to have the maximum time to cross the street.

Do not assume a driver will stop for you because you are in a crosswalk.

Be careful. Not all drivers will follow pedestrian traffic rules or signs. Always be aware of vehicles that are around you so you may take control of your own safety.

Runners and joggers should follow the same pedestrian safety guidelines as those who are walking. Runners are exposed to higher danger because they move faster and have less reaction time than a typical pedestrian. Therefore, they should be more vigilant in maintaining their safety. Among tips for runners and joggers: Follow all traffic rules, signs and signals – especially those relating to pedestrians.

Wear light or reflective clothing, especially at night.

Stay in well-lit areas.

Use crosswalks when crossing the street.

Stay on sidewalks or run on the far side of the road facing traffic.

Never assume a driver sees you or will give you the right of way.

Avoid distractions – however tempting, don’t run with headphones. You need to be able to pay attention to what is around you and hear approaching vehicles or other dangers.

Teens and Distractions

The AAA Exchange was designed to foster communication between AAA and the 56 million members it represents. It is an extension of AAA's long history of public service and provides a look into important safety, consumer, automotive and travel issues. We welcome your feedback and suggestions.